In the Lost Lands Review (6.3/10): Jovovich's Witch Hunts a Wolf

This In the Lost Lands review starts with a simple point: it is a moody fantasy-action quest with strong leads and a weak story. Director Paul W. S. Anderson reunites with Milla Jovovich for another stylised genre ride. It is easy to watch, but hard to remember.

In the Lost Lands Review: The Story So Far (No Spoilers)

The In the Lost Lands plot is built on a classic quest. A young queen rules a fearful, zealous society, and she sends the sorceress Gray Alys to the ghostly wilderness known as the Lost Lands. Her mission is to find a magical power that could free her people.

Gray Alys is feared for good reason. Her gaze can bend what people see and think, and she has already slipped past a ruthless pursuer called the Enforcer. She takes the job, and the drifter Boyce joins her as a guide. Together they must outwit and outfight both men and demons.

The film is written by Constantin Werner and runs a lean 101 minutes. That brisk pace means the story moves quickly from one set piece to the next. It also means the world is explained in a hurry.

What Works in In the Lost Lands

The look of the film is its best asset. Anderson builds a bleak, dreamlike fantasy world with a medieval feel, a few Western touches and a dash of the dystopian sci-fi he knows well. Viewers who liked the creature effects and world design said they looked pleasing enough, even if the green-screen work is not always seamless.

The action is also what you would expect from this team: clean, stylised and built around Jovovich's screen presence. If you enjoy action movie reviews full of gunplay, swordplay and monsters, there is fun to be had here.

A few other strengths stand out:

• A clear, easy-to-follow quest structure

• A strong lead pairing with real contrast

• A short runtime that never drags

In the Lost Lands Cast and Performances

The In the Lost Lands cast is the main reason to press play. Milla Jovovich plays Gray Alys with a cool, guarded edge, and she sells the character's dangerous reputation without much dialogue. It is a role that suits her.

Dave Bautista plays Boyce, the drifter guide, and brings a dry, weary charm. His chemistry with Jovovich gives the film its warmth. Arly Jover is a menacing presence as the Enforcer, and Amara Okereke plays the Queen with calm authority.

Fraser James appears as the Patriarch and Simon Lööf plays Jerais. Even viewers who disliked the story tend to praise the performers, and that matches what we saw. The actors do more than the script asks of them.

Where In the Lost Lands Stumbles

The biggest problem is the story. It leans on familiar fantasy ideas, and the plot beats rarely surprise you. Several viewers said they struggled to recall what happened soon after watching, and that is a fair warning.

The tone is also very sombre. The film hints at clever creature-driven action, but it mostly sticks to a straight line. There is little sense of hope or purpose to give the journey weight.

The effects are uneven too. Some of the digital backdrops look flat next to the strong costumes and design. Fans of adventure movie reviews who want rich world-building may find the Lost Lands thinner than the premise promises.

Is In the Lost Lands Worth Watching?

Yes, if you are a fan of Jovovich or Bautista and want a quick, undemanding fantasy-action fix. The In the Lost Lands release date was 27 February 2025, and the film has drawn middling but fair responses, with an audience score of 6.3/10 on TMDB.

It will not change your view of the genre. It is stylish and short, and the cast keeps it afloat. If you want a deep story or fresh ideas, look elsewhere.

For background on the cast and crew, see the In the Lost Lands page on IMDb. You can also browse our fantasy movie reviews for similar quests.

Who Will Enjoy In the Lost Lands

• Fans of Milla Jovovich and Paul W. S. Anderson's earlier action films

• Viewers who like dark, stylised fantasy with a Western flavour

• Anyone after a short, no-fuss action night in